PETER Odemwingie’s three-game ban has sparked an intense battle among Albion’s attackers to become his short-term replacement.

The Nigerian was sent off in last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Fulham and will now miss Saturday’s clash at home to Reading as well as next week’s Capital One Cup tie against Liverpool and the local derby at Villa.

Romelu Lukaku is favourite to land a forward role alongside Shane Long, who looks certain to retain his place for the visit of his former club, but head coach Steve Clarke admits there is plenty of time for his mind to be changed.

“Peter is out for three games and I’ll concentrate on those we have available now,” said Clarke.

“I will decide on the best team to play against Reading.

“Peter is suspended so there is an opportunity for someone.

“Romelu has been in my thoughts since the minute he came into the club.

“I’ve said before that I’ve been delighted with Shane. The decision to take him off at Fulham was tactical. We couldn’t get enough support to him and then when we went down to ten men we needed a different type of forward.

“I’ve got Marcus Rosenberg chomping at the bit as well so I’ve got plenty to chew over before the weekend.”

Marc-Antoine Fortune is also another option for Clarke as Albion aim to continue their unbeaten run at home.